James Gelsleichter

 It is with a sense of shock and sadness that we announce the untimely passing of a beloved brother, uncle and friend to many. Mr. James "Gilly" Gelsleichter, a well-known and respected resident of Wilkes-Barre, passed Monday, the evening of April 6th, in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center following a brief and unexpected health episode at his residence just days prior.

 Born on Tuesday, April 28, 1964 in Wilkes-Barre, he would have celebrated his sixty-second birthday in just three weeks. He was one of seven children to the late Robert Sr. and Rose (Sromovsky) Gelsleichter.

 Educated in the city schools, he was a member of the 1982 graduating class of the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre. Following his formal education, Jim served our country as a proud Marine; embodying the values of honor and service, leaving a lasting legacy both in our community and within the local corrections industry.

 Until his recent retirement in 2024, Mr. Gelsleichter served as a dedicated corrections officer with the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, a position he held for thirty-six years. Jim was not only known for his professionalism, but also for his kindness and compassion toward others. He took great pride in his work and always strived to make a positive impact on the lives he touched.

 Raised in the Roman Catholic faith, he attended Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary Parish, Wilkes-Barre. Fraternally, he held membership in the Lani Post #6325 Veterans of Foreign Wars of Plains Township and American Legion, Post #815, Wilkes-Barre Township. Professionally, he was a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter #1310 of the Laborers' International Union of North America, (LiUNA!) where he served as chapter treasurer for many years.

 Besides his parents, Jim bid farewell to brothers Mark and Edward Gelsleichter and more recently, a sister, Mrs. Susan Marie Wiencek on July 19, 2016 and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Marsha L. (Zimmerman) Gelsleichter on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.

 Left to cherish all the wonderful memories they now keep of him are his sister, Mrs. Rosella Patronick and her husband Mark and brother Mr. Robert Gelsleichter, all of Wilkes-Barre; Sister, Mrs. Sandra "Sandy" Reed and her husband Paul of Scranton; Brother-in-law, Mr. Richard Wiencek of Wilkes-Barre Heights; Numerous nieces, nephews, former county colleagues and many dear friends.

 Funeral services for Mr. Gelsleichter will be conducted on Friday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home, Inc. 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.

 Entombment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Mary, Mother of God Mausoleum in Saint Mary's Diocesan Cemetery Mausoleum 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township.

 Relatives and friends may join the Gelsleichter family for visitation and shared remembrances Friday morning at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

 The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the professional, attentive nurses and doctors at Geisinger Wyoming Valley who took such good care of Gilly while he was in their care.

 Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory of Gilly with his family are encouraged to do so here on his memorial page. Thank You.

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